College picks: Week 11

This could have been a preview of the ACC title game. But with Virginia Tech in the midst of its worst season in years, Florida State is simply trying to avoid a Thursday night trap on the road. The Seminoles should continue their march to a BCS game, given all the Hokies’ struggles. Both teams were supposed to lean on strong defenses and a veteran quarterback, and FSU’s signal-caller is the only one living up to expectations. He’s completing exactly 70 percent of his passes while Virginia Tech’s Logan Thomas already has tossed 12 interceptions.

Florida State 30, Virginia Tech 17.

No. 11 Oregon State at No. 14 Stanford, 3 p.m. Saturday

This is an intriguing match-up, with a pair of ranked teams playing guys who started the season as backup quarterbacks. Cody Vaz will start for Oregon State after Sean Mannion served up four interceptions in the Beavers’ loss to Washington. Kevin Hogan stepped in last week for Stanford’s struggling offense and will get the nod over Josh Nunes. I’m going with Oregon State, given that Vaz earned valuable experience earlier this season when Mannion was injured. The Beavers are a little more balanced than Stanford, as well.

Oregon State 24, Stanford 20.

No. 15 Texas A&M at No. 1 Alabama, 3:30 p.m. Saturday

It’s tempting to predict a close game here, considering Alabama is coming off an emotional victory at LSU and Texas A&M boasting an up-tempo offense the Crimson Tide haven’t really seen this season. But I don’t see much chance of an upset. The Aggies have given Florida and LSU some early trouble before fading in the second half, and we’re probably looking at the same script here. A&M may have an impressive offense, but it’s also taking a freshman quarterback on the road against the nation’s best defense.

Alabama 35, Texas A&M 14.

No. 21 Mississippi State at No. 7 LSU, 7 p.m. Saturday

Mississippi State has been hit hard by reality since its unbeaten start, getting routed the last two weeks by Alabama and Texas A&M. The struggles should continue Saturday against an LSU team that is coming off its best performance of the season by far. It’s too early to say if Tiger quarterback Zach Mettenberger turned a corner with his great performance against Alabama, but LSU shouldn’t need too much from him to beat the Bulldogs. Mississippi State should struggle to score and the Tigers ought to pound their way to a home victory.

Comments are welcome, so long as they are civil. A Facebook account is required. Abuse may result in the commenter being permanently blocked. Personal attacks are strictly prohibited. We reserve the right to remove any comments at any time.